In the vast galaxy of purple sand art, there are always some works that stand out with their unique charm and become treasures in the eyes of collectors. Today, Tongxinshe Teahouse brings you a precious piece worthy of collection — Lot 4537 in the autumn auction of Beijing Council in 2016, a work by Master Wu Qimin. This purple sand teapot is made of small red clay with a capacity of 200cc. Every detail of it demonstrates Master Wu Qimin's exquisite craftsmanship and profound understanding of purple sand art.
Master Wu Qimin, who comes from a family of purple sand pottery in Dingshu Town, Yixing, Jiangsu Province, has been immersed in the rich atmosphere of purple sand culture since childhood. Born in 1964, she embarked on the path of purple sand pottery making at the age of 15 in 1979. Starting with making teapots with molds in the early days, she later devoted herself to the all-handmade craftsmanship. In 1985, she became an apprentice of Master Wu Qunxiang, a disciple of Gu Jingzhou and a master of Jiangsu ceramic art, and systematically studied traditional craftsmanship. In 2009, she became an apprentice of Master Lu Yaochen, a Chinese master of arts and crafts, further enhancing her artistic attainments. Fortunately, she has also received personal guidance from senior purple sand masters such as Gu Jingzhou, Jiang Rong, and Xu Hantang. These precious experiences have enabled her to learn widely from others' strong points and form her own unique artistic style on the road of purple sand art.
Master Wu Qimin always maintains a respectful attitude towards tradition in her creations. She deeply understands that classics have their own rules. When making traditional pot shapes, she respects tradition and is not conservative. She combines the current living habits and tea-drinking methods and makes certain changes and adjustments to traditional pot shapes. While retaining the ancient charm, traditional pot shapes are made to be more in line with modern aesthetics and usage needs. Just as she said, "I am also learning from senior masters, paying tribute to traditional classics, and creating the 'Shipiao' in my heart." This work from the autumn auction of Beijing Council in 2016 is a vivid embodiment of her creative concept.
This 200cc purple sand teapot made of small red clay has a delicate and warm texture and a charming and beautiful color. Its capacity of 200cc is just right, whether you want to enjoy a quiet moment of tea-tasting alone or gather with two or three friends to share good tea. The lines of the teapot body are smooth and natural. Based on the traditional pot shape, Master Wu Qimin has integrated her unique understanding and innovation of purple sand art. Every curve and every turn have been carefully designed, showing both the dignified and elegant charm of traditional purple sand pot shapes and the dynamic beauty in line with modern aesthetics.
From the perspective of craftsmanship details, the teapot lid fits closely with the teapot body without any gaps. The spout pours water smoothly and stops water neatly. The handle is comfortable to hold and has an excellent hand feel. These exquisite craftsmanship not only reflect Master Wu Qimin's superb teapot-making skills but also highlight her extreme pursuit of the quality of her works. Every carefully carved detail makes this purple sand teapot a model of the perfect combination of practicality and art.
For collectors of purple sand art, this work by Master Wu Qimin is undoubtedly a rare treasure. It not only carries Master Wu Qimin's profound artistic skills and unique creative concept but also contains the inheritance and innovation of purple sand culture. Whether in terms of artistic value, practical value, or collection value, this small red clay purple sand teapot, Lot 4537 in the autumn auction of Beijing Council in 2016 by Master Wu Qimin, is worthy of being treasured by every person who loves purple sand art.
At Tongxinshe Teahouse, we hope to recommend such excellent purple sand works to more friends, allowing everyone to jointly feel the charm of purple sand art and appreciate the unique charm of the integration of tradition and modernity.